More than 330 people hear moving student speakers Lindsay Daniel and Makenzie Montano, President Bill Luckey's account of a year with major accomplishments, future changes, and a school year when hearts were heavy with losses, made more bearable because the LWC community is a big, loving extended family. Keynote speaker Dr. Allan Mercer Parnell, whose biography is one of Adair County's greatest success stories, an inspirational address punctuated with his great humor, his testimony of faith, nuggets of business wisdom, and his reminder that giving is one of the great joys of his life. - EWClick on headline for story with Travis Smith photo(s)

By Travis Smith

COLUMBIA, KY - (Fri 28 Apr 2017) 'LWC is Family' was a sentiment echoed many times throughout the night at Lindsey Wilson College Founders' Day Dinner, held Thursday, April 27, at the college's Roberta D. Cranmer Dining & Conference Center.

Lindsay Daniel, a student speaker from Jamestown, KY, spoke to a crowd of more than 330 guests about her struggles before attending college, and how the generosity of those connected with LWC have had a life changing impact on her.
"It's because of the generous contributions from people like you who truly made it possible for me to attend such an upstanding institution," said Daniel. "In the two years I've been at Lindsey Wilson, I have immersed myself in projects and taken advantage of opportunities that will have a lasting impact on my life."

Daniel says that her experience at LWC makes her want to pay it forward.

"My Lindsey Wilson experience has inspired me to want to make a difference in others' lives much the way I feel a difference has been made for me. Lindsey Wilson College has opened up a world to me that I didn't know existed. Through these experiences and the interactions with people I've encountered, I completely understand why we reiterate that LWC is family."

"I don't think I would have gotten through my freshman year without Laura Burwash," said Montano. "I spent countless hours in her office getting my schedule together and just talking about life. Benson (Sexton) is my current advisor, but is more like the knowledgeable uncle. Whenever I wanted to take the 'less challenging' class, he always persuaded me to challenge myself and for that I am grateful. And Coach Cavins and I don't have your typical player/coach relationship. I have known him for four years now and he is more like a second dad to me. He has taught me to be a fierce competitor on and off the court and to always know my self-worth."

Montano said that like Lindsay Daniel that spoke before her, she wants to give back.

"Each and everyday I try to give back in the classroom and on the court to the place that gave me opportunity," said Montano. "I consider LWC my second home and my second family."

During his remarks, President William T. Luckey Jr. also mentioned family.

"It sounds cliche' and corny, but it's true that LWC is family," said Luckey. "We genuinely love each other and we actively care about each other and this place."

And during his keynote address Allan Parnell, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at LWC, talked about his amazement at what the college accomplishes each year by working together.

"You people are phenomenal," said Parnell. "With every challenge that's issued you all rise to the occasion. I am amazed at what we do year in and year out because you are so willing to work together for the common good. The best is yet to come."

The writer, Travis Smith, is a Assistant Director of Public Relations at Lindsey Wilson College, Columbia, KY

This story was posted on 2017-04-28 14:52:29

Printable: this page is now automatically formatted for printing.Have comments or corrections for this story? Use our contact form and let us know.

To sponsor news and features on ColumbiaMagazine, please use our contact form.